Connor Tessier

The council discussed the adoption of the agenda, reviewed financial statements including balance sheets and profit/loss reports, and addressed the status of the new budget. The council discussed regional funding contributions, property tax enforcement and the process for retiring properties, and received an update on strategic priorities. Additionally, the council reviewed the town's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, noting a clean audit opinion and a prior year restatement related to infrastructure assets, as well as the town's involvement in wildfire relief funding.

The council received a presentation regarding the construction progress of the new RCMP detachment, covering project updates, environmental considerations related to a great blue heron rookery and wetland compensation, and the building's design features including accessibility and shared public spaces. Discussions also included the installation of fire protection infrastructure, the necessity of emergency power through a diesel generator, and plans to collaborate with local artists for the building's exterior. Additionally, the potential impact of forest fires on energy source availability and the site's layout for public and operational access were addressed.

The council meeting included a presentation from the fundraising care facility regarding their progress in raising funds for the new long-term care facility, dialysis unit, and expanded therapies area, noting significant community support and the status of current commitments. Additionally, representatives from the Community Alcohol Mobilization Plan discussed updated data regarding alcohol-related harms in the community and presented plans for youth-focused surveys and future awareness initiatives.

The council discussed and approved an emergency measures bylaw and an updated emergency plan to improve regional coordination and jurisdictional compliance. Additionally, a new parks bylaw was approved with updated setback requirements. The council reviewed and authorized a recreation agreement, provided community grant funding for the Elks Club and Art in the Park event, and approved the purchase of a new skid steer and a sand truck to replace aging equipment.

The council meeting addressed several operational and developmental topics. Discussions included a quarterly policing report, reports from the regional fire advisory board, library board, and regional waste management corporation. The council reviewed and approved financial reports and a building bylaw report. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a discretionary use application for a proposed cannabis retail outlet at 516 La Ronge Avenue, with council members expressing concerns regarding the number of existing cannabis outlets in the community and the social impact on the town.